India vs Australia: Gautam Gambhir and VVS Laxman questions Rohit Sharma’s absence

India vs Australia: Gautam Gambhir and VVS Laxman questions Rohit Sharma’s absence

Gautam Gambhir, Rohit Sharma, VVS Laxman (L-R)

Gautam Gambhir, Rohit Sharma, VVS Laxman (L-R)

Indian opener and limited-overs cricket vice-captain Rohit Sharma missed out from the tour of Australia. He is currently undergoing the rehab process at the National Cricket Academy, Bengaluru after picking a hamstring injury in IPL 2020.

His absence from the Indian team invited a lot of controversies after several remarks from cricket experts all over. Former India players Gautam Gambhir and VVS Laxman also commented on this issue, stating that the BCCI could’ve easily avoided it. 

Also Read | Is it time for Virat Kohli to make way for Rohit Sharma as limited overs captain?

“The Rohit Sharma situation could’ve been handled pretty easily since there wasn’t any need for too many people to get involved. Only the head physio, head coach and chairman of selectors were to be involved in the injury case. Had there been clear communication with the 3, it would’ve been enough. Of course, Virat Kohli was to get updated at every step through Ravi Shastri,” Gautam Gambhir said on Star Sports show Cricket Connected.

Rohit Sharma is a valuable Test player: VVS Laxman

Rohit sharma
Rohit Sharma

Veteran batsman VVS Laxman also joined Gambhir, stating the importance of Rohit Sharma in the longer format. He reckoned that Sharma should have flown with the team, keeping the strict quarantine norms in mind. 

“Rohit Sharma is a very valuable player in Test matches. So I would’ve kept him in the chain, subject to fitness, would’ve definitely kept him in the picture. Secondly, you could’ve sent him with the team after that, keeping the quarantine rules in mind. Because there is a 14-day quarantine, in the soft quarantine since you have been in the bubble in UAE. Then you move to another bubble [in Australia]. In soft quarantine, you can practice, train with teammates, and hit the gym.

“But when you’re taking a commercial flight to Australia, you won’t be allowed to go out of your room and mingle and come in contact with people. So, I believe, the BCCI should’ve thought of this in hindsight,” Laxman said on the show.

Also Read | India vs Australia: “We played with heart and desire” – Virat Kohli looks back on ODI series